Types of Renewable Energy

Disadvantages of Renewable Energy

Across the internet, you might come across websites and articles depicting the importance and advantages of renewable energy.
Do not hold the notion that renewable energy sources do not have any inherent disadvantages. I will be outlining some of them
in the remaining passages. However, one can state with surety that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of renewable energy
sources. Yet, critics often come up with problematic explanations that can put any environmentalist out of business. Allow me to
cite some of the common types of renewable energy sources before explaining the disadvantages associated with them.
They are solar, wind, water, biomass and biogas energy.

Solar Energy - The niche is interesting. With the help of solar panels, we can capture the sunlight and convert it into electricity.
However, solar energy enthusiasts always fail to mention the effectivity of their solar panels. Although, you can create photovoltaic
cells that can cover an entire football stadium, the resultant output power harnessed from the mechanism is very meager. According to
certain statistics, approximately 40 percent of the incident sunlight is converted into electrical energy. Also, consider the cost
of building and maintaining elaborate arrangements to capture the sunlight. One query - what are you going to do during the nighttime?

Wind Energy - Wind energy is a form of solar energy. Fortunately, we utilize them in an ulterior manner. We set up wind farms that
contain wind turbines. The movement of the wind will rotate the blades of the turbine and thus generate electricity. Consider the
initial costs - you need to have a good notion about the flow of winds, the number of wind turbines that will be required for the
wind farm. Also, take into account the costs associated with installing an electrical substation near the farm. The noise generated
by these machines is another disadvantage. The birds will also find it difficult to traverse through the region.

Water Energy - The potential energy of the stored water is converted into kinetic energy, which is finally utilized for power generation.
This is how hydroelectric power plants function. In order to store water, the authorities will build dams and other kinds of reservoirs.
Do you realize the imbalance these water bodies will create in the surrounding ecosystem? After all, what would you do if the reservoir
breaches and the neighboring areas were flooded? This situation is not taken from an upcoming movie script - this is the harsh reality
that has been experienced on countless occasions in various parts of the globe.

Biomass and Biogas - Biologically degradable materials (biomass) when subjected to extreme temperatures in the controlled presence or
absence of oxygen will lead to the generation of biogas. The heating process is the primary disadvantage of this type of renewable energy
source. The incineration of biomass will lead to the release of poisonous gases such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. Wait, we use
renewable sources of energy to reduce the carbon footprint - not to increase it! Recent innovations in the niche have led to the
development of ulterior and harmless chemical conversion processes.